U.S. patent application number 12/200728 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-04 for two-handled bag.
Invention is credited to Larry Bloom, Gregory A. Crites, Robert Kenny, James A. McGillivary, Michael Ray Runyon.
Application Number | 20100054634 12/200728 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41722253 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100054634 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Runyon; Michael Ray ; et
al. |
March 4, 2010 |
TWO-HANDLED BAG
Abstract
A novel bag for holding, transporting, and pouring a bulk
product is provided. The bag comprises two handles, with one handle
being primarily configured for carrying (but also useful for
pouring), and the other being primarily configured for pouring. The
handles are positioned on adjacent sides of the bag, with the
pouring handle being positioned near the bottom half of the bag to
facilitate a controlled tilting of the bag. In one embodiment, the
bag also includes a third handle on the same side of the bag as the
pouring handle. The bag is typically formed of plastic, and can be
used for salt, animal food, and other pourable products. The bag
has a very high strength, with the second handle being particularly
strong as a result of a longitudinal seam positioned adjacent that
handle.
Inventors: |
Runyon; Michael Ray;
(Hutchinson, KS) ; Crites; Gregory A.; (Schuyler
Falls, NY) ; Kenny; Robert; (Lilburn, GA) ;
McGillivary; James A.; (Overland Park, KS) ; Bloom;
Larry; (Atlanta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOVEY WILLIAMS LLP
10801 Mastin Blvd., Suite 1000
Overland Park
KS
66210
US
|
Family ID: |
41722253 |
Appl. No.: |
12/200728 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/10 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/08 20060101
B65D033/08 |
Claims
1. In a bag for holding a pourable product, said bag comprising
front and back panels having: first and second end portions
presenting respective outermost edges; and first and second side
portions presenting respective outermost edges, said front and back
panels and said end and side portions cooperating to form a chamber
for holding the pourable product, and said bag including a first
handle at said first end portion, the improvement comprising said
bag comprises a second handle and a seam at said first side
portion, said seam being spaced away from the outermost edge of
said first side portion.
2. The bag of claim 1, said first end portion and said second side
portion cooperating to form a first corner, said first corner
comprising a pouring spout.
3. The bag of claim 1, wherein said second handle is integrally
formed with said bag.
4. The bag of claim 3, wherein said first handle is integrally
formed with said bag.
5. The bag of claim 1, wherein said outermost edges define an outer
periphery of said bag, and said second handle is positioned
entirely within said outer periphery.
6. The bag of claim 1, said first side portion having a centerpoint
defined as a point that is halfway between said end portion
outermost edges, said first side portion having a first half on the
side of the centerpoint that is adjacent said first end portion,
and said first side portion having a second half on the side of the
centerpoint that is remote from said first end portion, said second
handle being positioned entirely within said second half.
7. The bag of claim 1, wherein said chamber includes therein a
quantity of the pourable product, said product being selected from
the group consisting of salt, animal food, flour, sugar, cement,
seed, fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil, pesticides,
industrial chemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and stones.
8. The bag of claim 1, said bag further comprising a third handle
at said first side portion.
9. In a bag for holding a pourable product, wherein said bag
comprises: front and back panels having: first and second end
portions presenting respective outermost edges; and first and
second side portions presenting respective outermost edges, said
front and back panels and said end and side portions cooperating to
form a chamber for holding the pourable product; and a first handle
at said first end portion, said first side portion having a
centerpoint defined as a point that is halfway between said end
portion outermost edges, said first side portion having a first
half on the side of the centerpoint that is adjacent said first end
portion, and a second half on the side of the centerpoint that is
remote from said first end portion, and said first end portion and
said second side portion cooperating to form a first corner, the
improvement comprising: said bag comprises a second handle
positioned entirely within said second half; and said first corner
comprises a pouring spout.
10. The bag of claim 9, said bag further comprising a seam at said
first side portion, said seam being spaced away from the outermost
edge of said first side portion.
11. The bag of claim 9, wherein said second handle is integrally
formed with said bag.
12. The bag of claim 11, wherein said first handle is integrally
formed with said bag.
13. The bag of claim 9, wherein said outermost edges define an
outer periphery of said bag, and said second handle is positioned
entirely within said outer periphery.
14. The bag of claim 9, wherein said pouring spout comprises a
perforated section of said first corner.
15. The bag of claim 9, wherein said chamber includes therein a
quantity of the pourable product, said product being selected from
the group consisting of salt, animal food, flour, sugar, cement,
seed, fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil, pesticides,
industrial chemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and stones.
16. The bag of claim 9, said bag further comprising a third handle
at said first side portion.
17. A method of dispensing a pourable product from a bag, the
method comprising: providing a bag comprising: front and back
panels including: first and second end portions having respective
outermost edges; and first and second side portions having
respective outermost edges, wherein said front and back panels and
said end and side portions cooperate to form a chamber having a
quantity of the pourable product therein; a first handle at said
first end portion; a second handle at said first side portion; and
a seam at said first side portion and spaced away from the
outermost edge of said first side portion; gripping said second
handle; and tilting said bag so as to cause said pourable product
to exit the bag.
18. The method of claim 17, said pourable product being selected
from the group consisting of salt, animal food, flour, sugar,
cement, seed, fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil,
pesticides, industrial chemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and
stones.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising gripping said first
handle while tilting said bag.
20. A method of dispensing a pourable product from a bag, the
method comprising: providing a bag comprising: front and back
panels including: first and second end portions having respective
outermost edges; and first and second side portions having
respective outermost edges, wherein said first side portion has a
centerpoint defined as a point that is halfway between said end
portion outermost edges, said first side portion having a first
half on the side of the centerpoint that is adjacent said first end
portion and a second half on the side of the centerpoint that is
remote from said first end portion, said front and back panels and
said end and side portions cooperating to form a chamber having a
quantity of the pourable product therein, and said first end
portion and said second side portion cooperating to form a first
corner comprising a pouring spout; a first handle at said first end
portion; and a second handle positioned entirely within said second
half; and gripping said second handle; and tilting said bag so as
to cause said pourable product to exit the bag.
21. The method of claim 20, said pourable product being selected
from the group consisting of salt, animal food, flour, sugar,
cement, seed, fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil,
pesticides, industrial chemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and
stones.
22. The method of claim 20, further comprising gripping said first
handle while tilting said bag.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is broadly concerned with the field of
bags for holding pourable products such as salt, and more
particularly bags having a second handle configured for pouring. In
another embodiment, the inventive bags also include a third
handle.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Bag are commonly used to hold and transport pourable
products (i.e., products comprising numerous small pieces). Such
products include salt cubes or pellets, animal food, flour, and
sugar, to name a few. These pourable products are typically sold in
large quantities (e.g., 30-50 lbs.) and in bulk sizes that are
difficult for the average person to handle. Even more difficult
than carrying these bags is pouring the product from the bulky bag.
That is, the consumer must open the bag, attempt to pick up the
very heavy bag, and carefully pour the product in a controlled
manner. This often results in spilling of the product, which goes
from not coming out at all to rapidly falling from the bag and
outside of the target area.
[0005] This problem is exacerbated in situations where the product
must be poured into an opening that is higher than ground level
(e.g., into a water softener) because now the consumer must hoist
the heavy bag even higher while attempting to carefully pour the
product. This awkward lifting and pouring is not only an
inconvenience, but it can lead to back and muscle strain or injury.
Many attempts have been made to overcome these problems, but they
have all been lacking in some way. There is a need for a bag that
not only provides for easier transport of these bulk products, but
also allows the consumer to more readily handle the bag and pour
product from the bag, while not compromising the strength of the
bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention overcomes the problems of the prior
art by providing for such a bag. In one embodiment, the bag
comprises front and back panels having: first and second end
portions presenting respective outermost edges; and first and
second side portions presenting respective outermost edges. The
front and back panels and end and side portions cooperate to form a
chamber for holding the pourable product. The bag includes a first
handle at the first end portion, with the improvement being that
the bag comprises a second handle and a seam at the first side
portion, and the seam is spaced away from the outermost edge of the
first side portion.
[0007] In another embodiment, the bag comprises front and back
panels having: first and second end portions presenting respective
outermost edges; and first and second side portions presenting
respective outermost edges. The front and back panels and end and
side portions cooperate to form a chamber for holding the pourable
product. The bag also comprises a first handle at the first end
portion. The first side portion has a centerpoint defined as a
point that is halfway between the end portion outermost edges, and
the first side portion has a first half on the side of the
centerpoint that is adjacent the first end portion and a second
half on the side of the centerpoint that is remote from the first
end portion. The first end portion and the second side portion
cooperate to form a first corner, with the improvement being that
the bag comprises a second handle positioned entirely within the
second half, and the first corner comprises a pouring spout.
[0008] In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of
dispensing a pourable product from a bag. The method comprises
providing a bag comprising front and back panels including: first
and second end portions having respective outermost edges; and
first and second side portions having respective outermost edges.
The front and back panels and end and side portions cooperate to
form a chamber having a quantity of the pourable product therein.
The bag further comprises a first handle at the first end portion,
a second handle at the first side portion, and a seam at the first
side portion that is spaced away from the outermost edge of the
first side portion. After providing a bag, the method further
comprises gripping the second handle and tilting the bag so as to
cause the pourable product to exit the bag.
[0009] Finally, in a further embodiment, the method of dispensing a
pourable product comprises providing a bag comprising front and
back panels including: first and second end portions having
respective outermost edges; and first and second side portions
having respective outermost edges. The first side portion has a
centerpoint defined as a point that is halfway between the end
portion outermost edges. The first side portion further has a first
half on the side of the centerpoint that is adjacent the first end
portion and a second half on the side of the centerpoint that is
remote from the first end portion. The front and back panels and
end and side portions cooperate to form a chamber having a quantity
of the pourable product therein. Further, the first end portion and
the second side portion cooperate to form a first corner comprising
a pouring spout. The bag further comprises a first handle at the
first end portion and a second handle positioned entirely within
the second half. After providing the bag, the method further
comprises gripping the second handle and tilting the bag so as to
cause the pourable product to exit the bag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Figure (FIG.) 1 is a front isometric view of a bag according
to the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a rear isometric view of a bag according to the
invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of a bag according to the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary section view of one of the handles
of a bag according to the invention, with the view being taken
along line 4-4 of FIG. 3; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of a bag according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0015] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a bag 10 already filled with
pourable product is illustrated. Bag 10 includes a front panel 12
and a back panel 14. As shown, front and back panels 12,14 are
rounded to demonstrate their respective shapes when filled with
product. Front panel 12 and back panel 14 share a first end portion
16 and a second end portion 18.
[0016] Front panel 12 and back panel 14 further share a first side
portion 20 and a second side portion 22. First and second end
portions 16, 18 and first and second side portions 20, 22 present
respective outermost edges 24a-d, which define an outer boundary or
periphery 26 of the bag 10. Outermost edges 24a and 24b oppose, and
are substantially parallel to, one another, while outermost edges
24c and 24d oppose, and are substantially parallel to, one another.
Furthermore outermost edges 24c and 24d are substantially
perpendicular to outermost edges 24a and 24b.
[0017] Each of the first and second end portions 16, 18 intersects
with first and second side portions 20, 22 at corners 28a-d. Front
and back panels 12, 14 as shown include microvents 30, although
microvents 30 may be omitted, depending upon the end use of the bag
10. Front and back panels 12, 14, first and second end portions 16,
18, and first and second side portions 20, 22 cooperate to form a
chamber 31 for holding a pourable product (not shown).
[0018] First end portion 16 comprises a first horizontal seam 32
spaced apart from outermost edge 24a, thus forming a first flap 34
in first end portion 16. First horizontal seam 32 has a thickness
of from about 1/16 inch to about 1/4 inch (and more preferably
about 1/8 inch) and is substantially parallel to outermost edge
24a. First flap 34 comprises a first handle 36 formed therein and
shown in greater detail in FIG. 4. Handle 36 comprises a patch 38
that is heat-sealed to the first flap 34. Patch 38 could be
heat-sealed on either side of the first flap 34 (i.e., on front
panel 12 or on back panel 14), or on both sides if extra strength
is required. Patch 38 can be any material typically used for bags
carrying bulk products, including plastics such as linear low
density polyethylenes (LLPDE). A C-shaped grip 40 is formed through
patch 38 and first flap 34 to form opening 42, through which a user
may place his or her fingers during carrying, pouring, etc.
[0019] Outmost edge 24a of first end portion 16 is bisected by
centerline 43 (see FIG. 3). In a preferred embodiment, first handle
36 is positioned such that some portion of the grip 40 falls upon
the centerline 43. Also, while it will be appreciated that the
first handle 36 is integrally formed with the bag 10 (and
particularly with first flap 34) as described above, one may also
substitute an integrally formed handle with a separately formed
handle that is then physically attached to the bag 10. Also, first
flap 34 could include a small opening (not shown) in or around
corner 28b to provide a place for the user to place his or her
finger during pouring to assist with that process.
[0020] First end portion 16 also preferably comprises a pouring
spout 44, preferably at corner 28a. In the preferred embodiment,
the spout 44 comprises microperforations 46, which allow for easy
opening of the spout 44 at the time of use.
[0021] First side portion 20 preferably comprises a longitudinal
seam 48 spaced apart from outermost edge 24c, thus forming a second
flap 50 in first side portion 20. Longitudinal seam 48 has a
thickness of from about 1/16 inch to about 1/4 inch (and more
preferably about 1/8 inch), is substantially parallel to outermost
edge 24c, and substantially perpendicular to first horizontal seam
32. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal seam 48 can be
omitted so that chamber 31 extends to outermost edge 24c. Second
flap 50 comprises a second handle 36a formed therein. The
construction of handle 36a is identical to that of handle 36 as
shown in FIG. 4, with like parts being similarly numbered. Thus,
handle 36a comprises a patch 38a that is heat-sealed to the second
flap 50. Patch 38a could be heat-sealed on either side of the
second flap 50 (i.e., on front panel 12 or on back panel 14), or on
both sides if extra strength is required. Patch 38a can be any
material typically used for bags carrying bulk product, including
plastics such as LLPDE. A C-shaped grip 40a is formed through patch
38a and second flap 50 to form opening 42a, through which a user
may place his or her fingers during carrying, pouring, etc.
[0022] Outmost edge 24c of first side portion 20 is bisected by
centerline 52 (see FIG. 3), thus defining a first half 54 and a
second half 56 of first side portion 20. In a preferred embodiment,
second handle 36a is positioned such that it falls entirely within
second half 56. In another preferred embodiment, second handle 36a
falls entirely within outer periphery 26. Furthermore, while it
will be appreciated that the first handle 36a is integrally formed
with the bag 10 (and particularly with second flap 50) as described
above, one may also substitute an integrally formed handle with a
separately formed handle that is then physically attached to the
bag 10 at a similar location relative to centerline 52.
[0023] Second end portion 18 comprises a second horizontal seam 58
spaced apart from outermost edge 24b, thus forming a third flap 60
in second end portion 18. Second horizontal seam 58 is
substantially parallel to outermost edge 24b and first horizontal
seam 32. Second horizontal seam 58 is also substantially
perpendicular to longitudinal seam 48.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, several dimensions of the inventive bag
10 have been defined. The ranges for those dimensions are shown in
Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Preferred Bag Dimensions Dimension Broad
Range Preferred Range Most Preferred Range from FIG. 3 (inches)
(inches) (inches) L about 20 to about 35 about 24 to about 30 about
26 to about 28 W about 10 to about 24 about 14 to about 20 about 16
to about 18 D.sup.1 about 5 to about 7 about 5.3 to about 6.7 about
5.7 to about 6.5 D.sup.2 about 4 to about 6 about 4.3 to about 5.3
about 4.6 to about 5.1 D.sup.3 about 2 to about 3 about 2.1 to
about 2.9 about 2.3 to about 2.7 H.sup.1 about 1.8 to about 3.5
about 2.1 to about 3.0 about 2.4 to about 2.8 H.sup.2 about 1.8 to
about 3.5 about 2.1 to about 3.0 about 2.4 to about 2.8 X about 6
to about 13 about 7 to about 11 about 8 to about 10 X/Y about 0.45
to about 0.85 about 0.55 to about 0.75 about 0.6 to about 0.7
[0025] FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment of the present
invention, where like parts have been assigned like numbering. In
this embodiment, a bag 62 is shown. The second handle 36a has been
shifted from about 1 inches to about 4 inches, and more preferably
from about 2 inches to about 3 inches, in the direction of second
end portion 18. Thus, X/Y in this embodiment is from about 0.3 to
about 0.6, preferably from about 0.4 to about 0.6, and more
preferably from about 0.5 to about 0.6.
[0026] Bag 62 also includes a third handle 36b. The construction of
handle 36b is preferably identical to that of handles 36 and 36a
described above. Thus, handle 36b comprises a patch 38b that is
heat-sealed to the second flap 50. Patch 38b could be heat-sealed
on either side of the second flap 50 (i.e., on front panel 12 or on
back panel 14), or on both sides if extra strength is required. As
was the case with patches 38 and 38a, patch 38b can be any material
typically used for bags carrying bulk product, including plastics
such as LLPDE. A C-shaped grip 40b is formed through patch 38b and
second flap 50 to form opening 42b, through which a user may place
his or her fingers during carrying, pouring, etc. The handle 36b is
preferably positioned entirely within first half 54. It will be
appreciated that the inclusion of third handle 36b offers a number
of significant benefits, including providing additional pouring
assistance as well as making it easier to carry bag 62 and to
remove bag 62 from a pallet.
[0027] The inventive bag 10 (or bag 62) can be manufactured by
various methods, but the preferred method is described herein.
First, a tube or sleeve of plastic is cut to the desired length
(represented by "L" in FIG. 3). The plastic of which the inventive
bag is formed can be any material typically used to form bags
carrying bulk products. The plastic should be flexible and
stretchable so that the bag collapses as the bulk product is poured
from the bag. Preferably, the plastic of which the bag is formed
stretches from about 1 to about 2 times at yield, and more
preferably about 1.5 times at yield. Furthermore, it is preferred
that the bag be formed of a plastic that stretches at least about 4
times, preferably at least about 5 times, and more preferably from
about 5 to about 7 times at its break point. Thus, the preferred
plastic has an ASTM D882 percent elongation of from about 200% to
about 800%, preferably from about 400% to about 700%, and more
preferably from about 500% to about 650%. The thickness of the
preferred plastic is from about 2 mil to about 14 mil, preferably
from about 4 mil to about 10 mil, and more preferably from about 6
mil to about 8 mil. The most preferred material is LLDPE.
[0028] A heat seal is then applied at first end portion 16 in order
to form horizontal seam 32. A film (typically having a 10-mil
thickness) is heat-sealed to first flap 34 to form patch 38.
C-shaped grip 40 is then cut (e.g., die-cut) through the patch 38)
and flap 34, thus forming handle 36, which serves as the primary
carrying handle. The microperforations 46 can be added at this time
according to conventional methods in order to form pouring spout
44.
[0029] Next, a heat seal is applied at first side portion 20 in
order to form longitudinal seam 48. A film (again, typically having
a 10-mil thickness) is heat-sealed to second flap 50 to form patch
38a. C-shaped grip 40a is then cut (e.g., die-cut) through the
patch 38a and second flap 50, thus forming handle 36a, which
primarily serves as the pouring handle. In embodiments where third
handle 36b is included, that handle can be formed in a similar
manner, either before or after the formation of handle 36a.
[0030] The microvents 30 can be added via conventional methods at
any convenient time during manufacturing. The manufactured bag can
then be stored until needed, or immediately filled and sealed.
Either way, after the bag 10 is filled to the desired level, a
final heat seal is applied at second end portion 18 to create
second horizontal seam 58, making the filled bag 10 ready for
distribution. It will be appreciated that the inventive bag 10 can
be used to transport and store numerous types of pourable products,
including cubes, pellets, tablets, powders, compacted pieces,
and/or granules of those selected from the group consisting of:
salt (e.g., water softening, pool treatment, deicing, etc.); animal
food (e.g., bird seed, grain, dog or cat food); bulk flour or
sugar; cement; seed (e.g., grass seed) and other lawn and garden
products; fertilizers; ice; sand; rice; spices; soil (including
soil mixtures); pesticides (e.g., fire ant treatments); industrial
chemicals; mortar; plaster; marble dust; stones (including pebbles
and gravel); and constructions products. Such products will
typically cause the bags to weigh from about 20 lbs. to about 100
lbs., and more typically from about 40 lbs. to about 60 lbs.
[0031] In use, both handles 36 and 36a, as well as handle 36b in
embodiments where it is included, could be used for loading and
unloading the bag 10, although handle 36 is the primary carrying
handle. Before pouring, a user would tear microperforations 46 to
remove corner 28a at spout 44, so that spout 44 is ready for
pouring. One hand can optionally be used to grip handle 36, while
the second hand can be used to grip handle 36a or handle 36b, if
present. It will be appreciated that the hand gripping handle 36a
(and handle 36b, when present) will be able to controllably tilt
the bag 10 into a pouring position while the product is poured from
the bag 10. This controlled pouring allows for fairly exact
dispensing of the product, while preventing spillage and waste of
the product. Furthermore, the longitudinal seam 48 provides
substantial extra strength to the overall bag and particularly to
the second handle 36a (and handle 36b, if included), an advantage
that is missing from the prior art. Finally, the use of two or even
three handles provides the user with more carrying and pouring
options that will substantially reduce the likelihood of back
injury to the users.
* * * * *